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Dragons 20 Treviso 19

NEWPORT Gwent Dragons ended their season on a winning note by edging out Treviso 20-19 at Rodney Parade.

Victory and Connacht’s pointless trip to Swansea saw the Dragons finish the season ninth in the RaboDirect Pro12 – not enough to prompt the popping of corks but an awful lot better than last term’s 11th.

And there were smiles all round with Treviso snatching a place in the Rugby Champions Cup from Italian rivals Zebre courtesy of a losing bonus point that saw them climb off bottom.

The Dragons made hard work of it but were worthy winners thanks to tries by superb teenage centre Tyler Morgan and wing Will Harries.

It was a game that highlighted the need for next season’s injection of experience to help along the young talent – Lyn Jones’ side should have killed the game off before the hour but their profligacy ensured a nervy end.

Nonetheless, they edged to a victory and ended a seven-game winless streak that stretched back to February.

The Dragons would have been quite content to go into the break just 11-10 down after playing into the wind.

The hosts took the lead through the left boot of Jason Tovey but the Italians soon took command thanks to their heavy pack and power runners.

Cardiff Blues-bound number eight Manoa Vosawai and Leicester-bound flanker Christian Loamanu were causing the Dragons all manner of problems.

But it was the smaller figure of scrum-half Fabio Semenzato that got the visitors on the scoreboard after 16 minutes when he exploited some weak ruck defence to scamper down the blindside from five metres.

Superb covering by centre Pat Leach and flanker Lewis Evans denied Loamanu on the line after Treviso broke 60 metres with counter attack ball following an ill-advised grubber by full-back Hallam Amos but wing Harries was sin-binned for killing the ball.

Amos was then lucky to escape a yellow for a deliberate knock-on and all the visitors could muster from their spell with a man advantage was a penalty by fly-half Alberto Di Bernardo.

And the Dragons were in front after 32 minutes courtesy of a cracking first score in regional colours by 18-year-old Morgan.

The Wales Under-20s centre did superbly to gather Lewis Evans’ pass and scorched past Italy full-back Luke McLean to dot down under the sticks, Tovey adding the extras.

Di Bernardo promptly earned the lead back straight from the restart but the visiting fly-half failed with another two attempts to leave them with a slender one-point advantage at half-time.

And it didn’t take the Dragons long to get their noses in front with Harries ending his time at Rodney Parade with a try that was majestically crafted by Morgan.

The teen broke down the left, chipped over Loamanu and would have scored himself were it not for his winger winning the race.

Tovey’s well-judged conversion made it 17-11 but the fly-half wasn’t quite as accurate when presented with a huge overlap inside the Treviso 22, umming and ahhing before allowing the defence to get to Morgan.

The Dragons were bossing matters but failed to kill Treviso off.

And they paid the price when a pair of driving lineouts enabled Vosawai to power over down the left, although the horrid conversion meant that the Dragons held on to their lead.

But with eight minutes left Treviso were in front 19-17 and had a one-man advantage courtesy of a yellow card for offside against Lewis Evans inside the 22.

Nonetheless, the hosts dug deep and regained the lead courtesy of their much-maligned scrum, which earned a penalty for Tovey to sneak the win.

Comments

J13
11:17am Sun 11 May 14

Agree that Tyler Morgan is a outstanding young talent. Also Will Harries has been playing like the player he was two years ago, but only since he learnt he was not getting a contract. Even with Aled's signing I would be all for keeping Will on his current form.
Pack hopelessly beaten again.
The captain has had two absolutly dreadful games at Llanelli and last night. He has been spoken to by both referees and lost his composure in both games. You simply cannot captain a professional rugby team in this way. The referee apperared to donate their final try as punishment for Andrew Coombes lack of discipline. New captain next year and return Andrew to the back row.

Agree that Tyler Morgan is a outstanding young talent. Also Will Harries has been playing like the player he was two years ago, but only since he learnt he was not getting a contract. Even with Aled's signing I would be all for keeping Will on his current form.
Pack hopelessly beaten again.
The captain has had two absolutly dreadful games at Llanelli and last night. He has been spoken to by both referees and lost his composure in both games. You simply cannot captain a professional rugby team in this way. The referee apperared to donate their final try as punishment for Andrew Coombes lack of discipline. New captain next year and return Andrew to the back row.J13

Agree that Tyler Morgan is a outstanding young talent. Also Will Harries has been playing like the player he was two years ago, but only since he learnt he was not getting a contract. Even with Aled's signing I would be all for keeping Will on his current form.
Pack hopelessly beaten again.
The captain has had two absolutly dreadful games at Llanelli and last night. He has been spoken to by both referees and lost his composure in both games. You simply cannot captain a professional rugby team in this way. The referee apperared to donate their final try as punishment for Andrew Coombes lack of discipline. New captain next year and return Andrew to the back row.

Score: 7

silurix
9:03pm Sat 10 May 14

Well done Dragons. Finishing two places better than last year is progress. If you can try and play for the whole season instead of just half , think where you might end up. The 60% improvement in the points difference figure had a telling effect. Another 60% next year will see you mid-table. It can be done.

Well done Dragons. Finishing two places better than last year is progress. If you can try and play for the whole season instead of just half , think where you might end up. The 60% improvement in the points difference figure had a telling effect. Another 60% next year will see you mid-table. It can be done.silurix

Well done Dragons. Finishing two places better than last year is progress. If you can try and play for the whole season instead of just half , think where you might end up. The 60% improvement in the points difference figure had a telling effect. Another 60% next year will see you mid-table. It can be done.

Score: 14

Euwan Usami
9:55pm Sat 10 May 14

Tyler Morgn already standing out as a real talent at Pro12 level. Only 18 years of age. What a bright future the guy has. I suppose we can claim improvement over last season but the new additions to the pack really need to pay off next season. The lack of parity up front has cost them alot of results, without it there is nowhere to go.

Tyler Morgn already standing out as a real talent at Pro12 level. Only 18 years of age. What a bright future the guy has. I suppose we can claim improvement over last season but the new additions to the pack really need to pay off next season. The lack of parity up front has cost them alot of results, without it there is nowhere to go.Euwan Usami

Tyler Morgn already standing out as a real talent at Pro12 level. Only 18 years of age. What a bright future the guy has. I suppose we can claim improvement over last season but the new additions to the pack really need to pay off next season. The lack of parity up front has cost them alot of results, without it there is nowhere to go.

Score: 16

Dragonsfan81
9:59pm Sat 10 May 14

In my opinion, tyler morgan was the difference today, he was amazing! i had never seen feet like it to get past the man for the the second try! he left him standing. Anyway a good win, progress this season! Cant wait till the next season were our pack wont be going backwards in scrums and we see more of our backs!

In my opinion, tyler morgan was the difference today, he was amazing! i had never seen feet like it to get past the man for the the second try! he left him standing. Anyway a good win, progress this season! Cant wait till the next season were our pack wont be going backwards in scrums and we see more of our backs!Dragonsfan81

In my opinion, tyler morgan was the difference today, he was amazing! i had never seen feet like it to get past the man for the the second try! he left him standing. Anyway a good win, progress this season! Cant wait till the next season were our pack wont be going backwards in scrums and we see more of our backs!

Score: 17

Caerleonboy
11:03pm Sat 10 May 14

Good to finish on a positive note, 9th is not fantastic but it's better than last season. Tyler Morgan was excellent, he can really break the line, and it was good to see our best players like Richie and Duncan play the full 80 to ensure we got the win. Again our main weakness was defending the lineout drive, although the new tight five signings should improve that area of our game. Now we just need to re-sign Duncan Bell or find a strong scrummaging tighthead to replace him. Oh, and PLEASE Lyn, give Will Harries a new contract!

Good to finish on a positive note, 9th is not fantastic but it's better than last season. Tyler Morgan was excellent, he can really break the line, and it was good to see our best players like Richie and Duncan play the full 80 to ensure we got the win. Again our main weakness was defending the lineout drive, although the new tight five signings should improve that area of our game. Now we just need to re-sign Duncan Bell or find a strong scrummaging tighthead to replace him. Oh, and PLEASE Lyn, give Will Harries a new contract!Caerleonboy

Good to finish on a positive note, 9th is not fantastic but it's better than last season. Tyler Morgan was excellent, he can really break the line, and it was good to see our best players like Richie and Duncan play the full 80 to ensure we got the win. Again our main weakness was defending the lineout drive, although the new tight five signings should improve that area of our game. Now we just need to re-sign Duncan Bell or find a strong scrummaging tighthead to replace him. Oh, and PLEASE Lyn, give Will Harries a new contract!

Score: 11

Mr Bump.
12:12pm Sun 11 May 14

Dai Trying wrote…

Can't really believe that we are letting Will Harries go and are replacing him with Aled Brew. I do hope he has learnt how to catch and pass a rugby ball, in addition his ability to give away penalties and collect yellow cards needs to have been cured. Yes I know he scores tries, but he has to, to make up for the penalties he gives away.

So i can't criticise Lyn, but you can criticise Aled?

[quote][p][bold]Dai Trying[/bold] wrote:
Can't really believe that we are letting Will Harries go and are replacing him with Aled Brew. I do hope he has learnt how to catch and pass a rugby ball, in addition his ability to give away penalties and collect yellow cards needs to have been cured. Yes I know he scores tries, but he has to, to make up for the penalties he gives away.[/p][/quote]So i can't criticise Lyn, but you can criticise Aled?Mr Bump.

Dai Trying wrote…

Can't really believe that we are letting Will Harries go and are replacing him with Aled Brew. I do hope he has learnt how to catch and pass a rugby ball, in addition his ability to give away penalties and collect yellow cards needs to have been cured. Yes I know he scores tries, but he has to, to make up for the penalties he gives away.

So i can't criticise Lyn, but you can criticise Aled?

Score: -11

Lockjoe
12:33am Sun 11 May 14

So Tyler Morgan has shown everyone what a real centre can do. Awesome play, more of it next season, PLEASE.

So Tyler Morgan has shown everyone what a real centre can do. Awesome play, more of it next season, PLEASE.Lockjoe

So Tyler Morgan has shown everyone what a real centre can do. Awesome play, more of it next season, PLEASE.

Score: 10

[deleted]
3:56am Sun 11 May 14

[deleted]

Congratulations to Lyn Jones on his first win.
Retire on a high Lyn, you useless waste of space.Mr Bump.

Congratulations to Lyn Jones on his first win.

Retire on a high Lyn, you useless waste of space.

Score: -38

dragons#1
7:18am Sun 11 May 14

Just goes to show the young talent that is their, hopefully we can keep hold of these young players the next five/six years. New signings should improve our pack and give byrne, brew and co plenty of ball. Cannot believe we are letting harries go but if it means we can sign a quality tight head then so be it. Adam jones would be nice. Please.

Just goes to show the young talent that is their, hopefully we can keep hold of these young players the next five/six years. New signings should improve our pack and give byrne, brew and co plenty of ball. Cannot believe we are letting harries go but if it means we can sign a quality tight head then so be it. Adam jones would be nice. Please.dragons#1

Just goes to show the young talent that is their, hopefully we can keep hold of these young players the next five/six years. New signings should improve our pack and give byrne, brew and co plenty of ball. Cannot believe we are letting harries go but if it means we can sign a quality tight head then so be it. Adam jones would be nice. Please.

Score: 10

mep
8:22am Sun 11 May 14

Great prospect Tyler Morgan, hope coaches don't get him to bulk up into a crash ball merchant, lovely to see someone beat an opponent with fast feet.

Great prospect Tyler Morgan, hope coaches don't get him to bulk up into a crash ball merchant, lovely to see someone beat an opponent with fast feet.mep

Great prospect Tyler Morgan, hope coaches don't get him to bulk up into a crash ball merchant, lovely to see someone beat an opponent with fast feet.

Score: 19

[deleted]
11:00am Sun 11 May 14

[deleted]

[quote][p][bold]Mr Bump.[/bold] wrote:
Congratulations to Lyn Jones on his first win.
Retire on a high Lyn, you useless waste of space.[/p][/quote]Note to Editor. Should you really be printing such offensive nonsense.Dai Trying

Mr Bump. wrote…

Congratulations to Lyn Jones on his first win.

Retire on a high Lyn, you useless waste of space.

Note to Editor. Should you really be printing such offensive nonsense.

Score: 17

Dai Trying
11:05am Sun 11 May 14

Can't really believe that we are letting Will Harries go and are replacing him with Aled Brew. I do hope he has learnt how to catch and pass a rugby ball, in addition his ability to give away penalties and collect yellow cards needs to have been cured. Yes I know he scores tries, but he has to, to make up for the penalties he gives away.

Can't really believe that we are letting Will Harries go and are replacing him with Aled Brew. I do hope he has learnt how to catch and pass a rugby ball, in addition his ability to give away penalties and collect yellow cards needs to have been cured. Yes I know he scores tries, but he has to, to make up for the penalties he gives away.Dai Trying

Can't really believe that we are letting Will Harries go and are replacing him with Aled Brew. I do hope he has learnt how to catch and pass a rugby ball, in addition his ability to give away penalties and collect yellow cards needs to have been cured. Yes I know he scores tries, but he has to, to make up for the penalties he gives away.

Score: 1

[deleted]
12:01pm Sun 11 May 14

[deleted]

[quote][p][bold]Dai Trying[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Mr Bump.[/bold] wrote:
Congratulations to Lyn Jones on his first win.
Retire on a high Lyn, you useless waste of space.[/p][/quote]Note to Editor. Should you really be printing such offensive nonsense.[/p][/quote]I'll tell you what is offensive,. Lyn Jones picking up his wage packet every week.Mr Bump.

Dai Trying wrote…

Mr Bump. wrote…

Congratulations to Lyn Jones on his first win.

Retire on a high Lyn, you useless waste of space.

Note to Editor. Should you really be printing such offensive nonsense.

I'll tell you what is offensive,. Lyn Jones picking up his wage packet every week.

Score: -22

East Newport Dave
9:50pm Sun 11 May 14

Mr Bump. wrote…

Dai Trying wrote…

Can't really believe that we are letting Will Harries go and are replacing him with Aled Brew. I do hope he has learnt how to catch and pass a rugby ball, in addition his ability to give away penalties and collect yellow cards needs to have been cured. Yes I know he scores tries, but he has to, to make up for the penalties he gives away.

So i can't criticise Lyn, but you can criticise Aled?

In fairness, Lyn Jones has made a positive difference to the Dragons in trying to mend the damage done in the Darren Edwards era. Edwards left the Dragons devoid of forward power and made numerous poor signings. It's not so easy just to put all of that right with limited resources.

[quote][p][bold]Mr Bump.[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Dai Trying[/bold] wrote:
Can't really believe that we are letting Will Harries go and are replacing him with Aled Brew. I do hope he has learnt how to catch and pass a rugby ball, in addition his ability to give away penalties and collect yellow cards needs to have been cured. Yes I know he scores tries, but he has to, to make up for the penalties he gives away.[/p][/quote]So i can't criticise Lyn, but you can criticise Aled?[/p][/quote]In fairness, Lyn Jones has made a positive difference to the Dragons in trying to mend the damage done in the Darren Edwards era. Edwards left the Dragons devoid of forward power and made numerous poor signings. It's not so easy just to put all of that right with limited resources.East Newport Dave

Mr Bump. wrote…

Dai Trying wrote…

Can't really believe that we are letting Will Harries go and are replacing him with Aled Brew. I do hope he has learnt how to catch and pass a rugby ball, in addition his ability to give away penalties and collect yellow cards needs to have been cured. Yes I know he scores tries, but he has to, to make up for the penalties he gives away.

So i can't criticise Lyn, but you can criticise Aled?

In fairness, Lyn Jones has made a positive difference to the Dragons in trying to mend the damage done in the Darren Edwards era. Edwards left the Dragons devoid of forward power and made numerous poor signings. It's not so easy just to put all of that right with limited resources.

Score: 6

[deleted]
11:23am Mon 12 May 14

[deleted]

Mr. Bump should take his face for a dumpevan the sheep

Mr. Bump should take his face for a dump

Score: 1

Foxyboy3rd
7:36pm Sat 17 May 14

I always thought that Will Harries was second class and spent a lot of time running round in circles, couldn't wait to see him go and agree he's only improved since he's had his "orders".

I always thought that Will Harries was second class and spent a lot of time running round in circles, couldn't wait to see him go and agree he's only improved since he's had his "orders".Foxyboy3rd

I always thought that Will Harries was second class and spent a lot of time running round in circles, couldn't wait to see him go and agree he's only improved since he's had his "orders".

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